On a lovely September day,
we headed for The Taj Gateway Hotel, which is one of the best establishments in
Chikmagalur, encircled amidst the lush green forests. Situated on the peaceful
K M Road, the location of this hotel is a huge asset, however, it is a little
away from the main city center. This time of the year, the hotel remains very
touristy.
But The Taj Gateway Hotel
was definitely a perfect pied-a-terre for me, in a lush place like Chikmagalur.
It is impossible not to
fall for this calm, peaceful and luxury stay. The imposing façade, huge
balconies, pathways adorned with flowers and beautifully decorated lobbies,
talk a lot about its history. The colonial architecture compliments the overall
beauty of this hotel and I am quite sure, you will immediately fall under the
spell of the beauty and the character of the premises.
While, the numerous
reminders of Krishna Leela in the form of stunning paintings decorate the
walls, the contemporary amenities cater to the taste of modern travelers.
There
are many rooms and suites with king size and queen size beds, but we opted for
a cottage with a twin bed, for our little one to cuddle comfortably by my side.
The cottage was a perfect combination of elegance, antique style and modern
comfort.
In the evening, we made our
way to the restaurant, where both international and national cuisines are
served. The chef here prepares mouth watering gastronomies that are sure to
delight every palate. During our stay, the food and beverages department was
headed by Mr. Prasad Nawale and he made every effort to make our stay the most
comfortable and memorable. I was really touched with the hospitality and care.
There is a small fitness
center where I loved working up a sweat, cooling down and stretching myself. A
small park area by the pool side and a games room were just perfect for my toddler
to stay engaged, while I enjoyed the spa.
We visited Belur and
Halebidu, the nearby towns which were once the seat of Hoysala empire;
Veeranarayana temple and the breathtaking Hebbe falls. There are many other
activities where one can indulge, like, exploring the coffee plantation,
discovering how the favorite morning brew gets to the cup and challenging treks
at Mullayanagiri and Baba Budan Giri. The fairly steep treks are known for
their spectacular views.
The Taj Gateway Hotel was
definitely a new-age experience for me in the lap of nature.
Do enjoy my video too....
